Take in the sights and sounds this weekend at the 2014 Carlisle Chrysler Nationals. (Photo: Carlisle Events)

The Carlisle Chrysler Nationals has been the premier all Mopar-themed event in the world since its inception in 1991. Fast forward to 2014 and this year’s event promises to once again be the cream of the crop within automotive circles. As the only July event on the Carlisle Events schedule this year, the weekend of July 11-13 hosts special guests, displays, seminars and the cars.

As has been the case for many years, the event unofficially launches on Thursday with a kick-off party and cruise in at Cumberland Valley Motors in nearby Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The free kick-off, presented by the Mopar Rebellion Car Club, draws upwards of 400+ cars and provides yet another great outlet for Mopar enthusiasts to congregate, talk shop and catch up on happenings since last year’s show. With this serving as a popular appetizer, the main course Friday, Saturday and Sunday will ultimately leave enthusiasts wanting more by week’s end.

Dodge has announced that its new supercharged V8 will be rated at an astonishing 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque when it debuts in the 2015 Challenger SRT later this year, making it the most powerful mass produced American car ever.

The 6.2-liter Hellcat HEMI engine features an iron block, forged alloy pistons and is fed by a 2,380cc supercharger blowing at 11.8 psi. It will be available with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.